Mars astronauts could live in houses made of yeast and jello, say scientists
A recent study from Hong Kong researchers proposes a bold, low-energy way to build on Mars: use bioengineered yeast that produces adhesive proteins, mixed with gelatin and simulated Martian soil, then 3D-printed into a foam that dry-fries into a light, strong structure. The result is a material with roughly the same strength as low-grade concrete, achieved with far less heating than traditional techniques. While the foam shows promise, the team notes that real habitats will need to address pressure retention, air tightness, thermal control, radiation shielding, dust protection, and repairability—likely via hybrid designs combining yeast-based foam with conventional structures. If scalable, this approach could slash energy and equipment needs for Martian construction, keeping hope alive for future missions—and, yes, for yeast on Mars